Bore location system

ABSTRACT

A system and method for locating a horizontal bore below a ground surface includes a transmitting source configured to radiate from the bore a dipole magnetic field aligned with the bore. A receiver is located remote from the transmitting source and has a first coil and a second coil. Each coil defines an axis, wherein the axes of the first coil and the second coil are orthogonal to each other. A measurement device is in communication with the coils and configured to measure the phase of signals induced on the coils by the magnetic field when the axis of the first coil is horizontally perpendicular to the axis of the magnetic field and the axis of the second coil is vertically perpendicular to the axis of the magnetic field. The measurement device is also configured to determine the lateral position of the transmitting source relative to the coils responsively to the phase of the signals on the first coil and the second coil.

This application is a divisional application of patent application Ser.No. 10/792,559 filed on Mar. 3, 2004 and now issued as U.S. Pat. No.6,922,056; which is a continuation of patent application Ser. No.10/437,138 filed on May 13, 2003 and now issued as U.S. Pat. No.6,717,410 on Apr. 6, 2004; which is a divisional of patent applicationSer. No. 09/657,678 filed Sep. 8, 2000 now abandoned the disclosures ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to underground bore locationsystems.

Those of ordinary skill in the art should recognize that the term“horizontal bore” refers to the excavation of a hole, typically forutilities, through the ground and to the excavated hole itself. Thepresent invention relates to systems and methods for locating suchbores, but also to such systems and methods for locating existing buriedutilities, whether such existing utilities were initially installed byboring or trenching techniques. Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated,the term “bore” as used herein refers to new bores and to existingburied utilities or similar lines.

Boring location systems are utilized in a variety of circumstances. Forexample, in horizontal boring systems as are typically used forinstalling utilities, it is desirable to maintain a directional boringhead in a desired boring path and to avoid known obstacles such asexisting utilities. Accordingly, systems are known to trace existingutilities from an above-ground position.

The boring head, which may include a boring probe behind a drill head,is underground and is therefore not visible to the operator.Accordingly, the boring probe may be configured to transmit signals fromthe bore that provide location information to an above-ground operator.One system that is configured to determine whether an underground boringprobe is laterally offset from its intended horizontal path is describedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,881,083, the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference. This information is used, in turn, tomaintain the boring head in its desired path. Typically, however, anabove-ground receiver must be disposed at a known location relative tothe boring head with respect to the head's desired path of travel inorder to properly read certain location information. For example, assumethat a boring head is to the right of its desired path and that anabove-ground receiver is disposed along the path in an attempt toreceive location information from which to determine whether the boringhead should turn to the right or to the left to regain or maintain itspath. Using one conventional receiver, the operator must know whetherthe boring head is ahead of or behind the above-ground receiver withrespect to the desired path.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention recognizes and addresses disadvantages of priorart constructions and methods. Accordingly, it is an object of thepresent invention to provide an improved bore location system.

This and other objects are achieved by a system for locating ahorizontal bore below a ground surface. The system includes atransmitting source configured to radiate from the bore a dipolemagnetic field aligned with the bore. A receiver includes a first coiland a second coil, the axis of each coil being orthogonal to the axis ofeach other coil. A measurement device in communication with the coils isconfigured to measure the phase of signals induced in the coils by themagnetic field when the axis of the first coil is horizontallyperpendicular to the axis of the magnetic field and the axis of thesecond coil is vertically perpendicular to the axis of the magneticfield and to determine the lateral position of the transmitting sourcerelative to the coils responsively to the phase of the signals inducedon the two coils.

A method according to the present invention for locating a horizontalbore below a ground surface includes providing a transmitting source inthe bore and radiating from the bore a dipole magnetic field alignedwith the bore. A receiver having first and second orthogonally alignedreceiver coils is disposed remotely from the bore so that the dipolemagnetic field induces a signal in each coil. A measurement devicedetermines the phase of the induced signal of each coil when the axis ofthe first coil is horizontally perpendicular to the magnetic field axisand the axis of the second coil is vertically perpendicular to themagnetic field axis. The measurement device determines the lateralposition of the transmitting source relative to the coils responsivelyto the phases of the first and second coils.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, whichmakes reference to the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wireless remote boring system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a receiver/transmitter in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a signal generating probe;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a remote receiver/display in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a directional boring head associatedwith a signal generating probe and drill rod;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of areceiver/transmitter unit in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of a remotereceiver unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary visual display of a receiver and/or monitordevice in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exemplary visual display of a receiver and/or monitordevice in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an exemplary visual display of a receiver and/or monitordevice in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an exemplary bore plot generated in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a transmitting source in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of a transmitting source in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11C is a perspective view of a transmitting source in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11D is a perspective view of a transmitting source in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of a transmitting source inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13A is a partial graphical representation of a depth measurementprocedure practiced in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13B is a partial graphical representation of a depth measurementprocedure practiced in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13C is a partial graphical representation of a depth measurementprocedure practiced in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 14A is a schematic illustration of control circuitry for use in anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14B is a schematic illustration of a tilt switch as shown in FIG.14A;

FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of a boring head and two receivingcoils;

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of a receiver and boring head foruse in a system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 17A is a schematic illustration of a receiver and a boring head foruse in a system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 17B is a graphical representation of signals induced in a receivercoil for use in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17C is a schematic illustration of a receiver and a boring head foruse in a system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 17D is a graphical representation of signals induced in a receivercoil for use in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17E is a graphical representation of signals induced in a receivercoil for use in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17F is a graphical representation of signals induced in receivercoils for use in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17G is a graphical representation of signals induced in receivercoils for use in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18A is a schematic illustration of a receiver and boring head foruse in a system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 18B is a schematic illustration of the position of a pair ofreceiver coils and a boring head in determining yaw in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19A is a schematic illustration of a receiver in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19B is a schematic illustration of a receive in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19C is a schematic illustration of a multiplexer and CPU for use ina receiver constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 19D is a schematic illustration of a multiplexer and CPU for use ina receiver constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 20 is a graphical representation of signals induced in receivercoils for use in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a schematic illustration of display icons provided by areceiver constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 22 is a schematic top view of a boring machine, a probe in abelow-ground boring tool, and a path taken by an above-ground operatorlocating the probe according to a method in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification anddrawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elementsof the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodimentsof the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation ofthe invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variationscan be made in the present invention without departing from the scope orspirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 illustrates a directional boring device 10 in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. A boring machine 12 is located inan initial position and includes a boring rod 14 and a directionalboring head 16. The boring machine includes a control panel 18 withactuators 20 for controlling operation of the boring device. A means forwireless receipt of location signals from a transmitting source includesa receiver 22. Receiver 22 includes a display 24 and the means forwireless transmission from the receiver device of information receivedfrom the transmitting source to a remote monitor device. As embodiedherein, the means for wireless transmission includes a wirelesstransmitter 26 with an antenna 28.

A signal generating probe 30 is located generally adjacent boring head16 for emitting location signals containing information about the boringdevice as will be discussed in more detail below. The guidance systemfurther includes a remote monitoring device 32 located generallyadjacent to boring machine 12 for receiving the transmitted informationfrom transmitter 26 via wireless transmission. Remote monitor 32includes a display 34 so that the operator 36 of the boring device cansee and/or hear the information transmitted from transmitter 26.

Accordingly, a workman 38 at a distant location from the boring machine12 utilizes receiver 22 to receive a location signal from signalgenerating probe 30, which signal contains information with respect tothe boring head 16. Such information may be, for example, its location,its depth below the ground, its pitch, its angular position or roll, itstemperature, and/or the remaining battery life of the probe. Thisinformation is received by receiver 22 as will be described in moredetail below and is processed on display 24 at this location.

Substantially simultaneously and in real time, transmitter 26 transmitssignals carrying the information that is displayed on display 24 to themonitor 32 via wireless transmission. Remote monitor 32 processes thesesignals and displays them on display 34. Both data and image signals maybe transmitted between the wireless transmitter and remote monitor 32.Thus, operator 36 at the boring device is able to obtain real timeinformation with respect to the boring head just as workman 38 is ableto obtain this information at the location of the boring head. Theparticular mechanisms for accomplishing this with respect to a preferredembodiment are described in more detail below.

The system may also be used to locate existing utilities. For example,referring to FIG. 11A, transmitting source 50 radiates a location signalfrom utility 52 located within the bore. Cables from transmitting source50 are clipped directly to buried utility 52 and to ground at 54. ACcurrent carries along the length of the conductor and returns through agrounded stake to transmitter 50, providing a signal loop. Currentstrength displayed on both transmitter 50 and receiver 22 is at itsmaximum as receiver 22 moves directly over and traces the utility.Receiver 22 may indicate the maximum current by audible or visual means,thereby indicating the lateral position of the horizontal bore withrespect to the receiver device. Thus, an operator carrying a portablereceiver device can move to his left or right until the receiver deviceis approximately directly above the utility.

Faults can be detected by current fluctuation. A microprocessor withinreceiver 22 rejects the depth reading when receiver 22 strays over otherutilities in the area by indicating “DETECTING ERROR” on the visualdisplay. Current strength is adjustable to avoid bleeding onto otherutilities in congested areas, and to “power—up” for a longer locate inareas where no other utilities are present. One transmitting sourceconfigured to operate as described above and below is the SpotDTek®marketed by McLaughlin Manufacturing Company, Inc. of Greenville, S.C.

Transmitter 50 may also be configured to indirectly generate thelocation signal when a direct connection to the utility is impractical.For example, referring to FIG. 11B, transmitter 50 is placed on theground surface in an upright position above the utility 52. Transmitter50 emits a varying magnetic field 54 to generate a current along utility52 which, in turn, induces a magnetic field along the length of utility52. Accordingly, receiver 22 may detect the location signal. Using theMcLaughlin SpotDTek®, this indirect mode is effective for utilitiesburied at depths of 6.5 feet or less and produces a location signaldetectable up to 200 feet. As in the direct connection mode, “DETECTINGERROR” will be displayed if receiver 22 picks up other utilities in thearea. The current induction strength is adjustable in this mode to tuneout other utilities in congested areas. Current readout on the digitaldisplay also detects faults as receiver 22 is moved along the surface.

Referring now to FIG. 11C, for depths between 6.5 and 16 feettransmitter 50 is placed over utility 52. A strong signal 54 isgenerated by twin coils, and high AC power provides an effectivedetection range of over 1,000 feet. As in the short span indirect mode,current strength can be fine-tuned so that other utilities and faultsmay be readily detected.

Referring to FIG. 11D, a coil clamp can be used on metallic lines or toinduce a signal through PVC lines. The coil clamp does not have to closearound the conductor. It need only be placed on and parallel to theutility 52. The SpotDTek® external coil mode has a detection range ofover 1,000 feet.

The above-described methods for detecting an existing utility involveradiating a location signal from a metallic utility. Referring to FIG.12, a transmitting source for use with nonmetallic pipe includes abattery operated transmitter probe 56 inserted in PVC or othernonmetallic pipe having a 1″ or larger internal diameter. Probe 56 emitsa magnetic location signal 54 that is received by a receiver 22 whichtraces the progress of probe 56 as it is routed through the utility 52.

Furthermore, the transmitting source may be simply the utility itself.For example, power and telecommunication lines emit their ownelectromagnetic radiation, which may be used as location signals. Thus,receiver 22 may trace these utilities while detecting the self-emittedlocation signal. The SpotDTek® device may be programmed, for example,for three passive frequencies, 50–60 Hz for live power and 13–17 KHz and18–22 KHz for two rad frequencies. Thus, such utilities may be locatedwithout the need of signal inducement as long as current is flowing onthe lines.

It should also be understood that the receiver 22 may be stationary. Forexample, the present invention could be utilized in bore homing systemslike those disclosed in Chau et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,881,083 and Bridgeset al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,646,277. Furthermore, as will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art, a variety of suitable apparatus andmethods may be employed to radiate a location signal from a bore, toreceive the location signal and to determine the depth of the boreresponsively to the received location signal.

Thus, for example, the receiver may be a fixed device or a portabledevice carried by an operator to trace a new or existing bore.Similarly, the depth measurement device may measure bore depth in avariety of ways. For example, depth may be measured by determination ofa field gradient of a received location signal, as a function of thepitch angle of a directional boring head or through the proceduresdescribed below. Furthermore, the measurement device may be anindependent device or a device embodied by other system components, forexample the receiver.

Accordingly, all suitable apparatus and methods for accomplishing thepresent invention should be understood to be in the scope and spirit ofthe present invention. For ease of explanation, however, the remainderof the specification will address an exemplary preferred embodiment foruse with a directional boring system as shown in FIG. 1. It should beunderstood that such an example is provided by way of illustration onlyand not in limitation of the invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate receiver 22 and signal generating probe 30.Receiver 22 includes a longitudinally extended plastic casing 22 a whichhouses the receiving mechanism. Integrated with housing 22 a is adisplay 24 and a handle 22 b for positioning the receiver. Attached tothe receiver is a wireless transmitter 26 whose operation will bedescribed in more detail with respect to FIG. 5. Of course, transmitter26 may be incorporated within the receiver unit. Housing 22 a includes aplurality of horizontally spaced apart coils 23 a, 23 b, 23 c and 23 d(shown in Phantom in FIG. 2 a) for receiving signals from the signalgenerating probe 30.

Signal generating probe 30 generates a magnetic field that containsinformation with respect to the probe that is indicative of the boringhead 16. Prior to operation, the system is calibrated to this field topermit subsequent depth measurements. At calibration, an operatoractivates a calibration mode of operation at the receiver and placesprobe 30 ten feet from the receiver, laterally aligned with and parallelto coil 23 a. In calibration mode, the receiver only measures thestrength of the signal on coil 23 a induced by the probe's radiatedmagnetic field. Receiver 22 (FIG. 5) stores this value (hereinafter“V₁”) in an EEPROM or other suitable memory at the receiver.Additionally, or alternatively, the receiver may transmit V₁ to memory amonitor 32.

To determine the probe's depth during operation, the operator carriesreceiver 22 as shown in FIG. 1 and positions the receiver so that coil23 a is parallel to the probe's actual or intended path of travel. In adepth-reading mode, the receiver measures only the strength of thesignal on coil 23 a induced by the probe's radiated magnetic field andstores this value (hereinafter “V₂”) to memory at the receiver and/ormonitor 32. A CPU at the receiver determines the probe's depth by thefollowing equation:depth=10 ft (V ₁ /V ₂)⁻³

This value is displayed at displays 24 and 34.

It should be understood that depth may be calculated in any suitablemanner. Thus, for example, coils 23 a and 23 d may utilize the fieldgradient of the magnetic field from the signal generator to generateinformation as to the location and depth of the boring head as disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 3,617,865 dated Nov. 2, 1971, the disclosure of whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. For example, tomeasure the distance of an existing underground utility in anarrangement as shown in FIGS. 11A–11D or 12, the operator may place thereceiver above the utility so that parallel coils 23 a and 223 d areperpendicular to the underground utility. In a depth-reading mode, thereceiver measures only the strength of the signals on coils 23 a and 23d induced by the magnetic field radiated from the utility. Assuming thatthe magnitude of these signals are V₁ and V₂, respectively, the receiverstores these values in its memory. The distance L between coils 23 a and23 d is known and is also stored in the receiver's memory. The depth Xbetween coil 23 a and the existing utility is:X=L(V ₂/(V ₁ −V ₂))

It should also be understood that the control of coils 23 a, 23 b, 23 cand 23 d may be affected in any suitable means. For example, a CPU inthe receiver may control the selection of coil outputs to anamplification and filter circuit, as shown in FIG. 9 of U.S. Pat. No.5,363,926, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein.

Furthermore, referring to FIG. 14A, the output signals from coils 23 a,23 b, and 23 c may be directed to a signal conditioning circuit 80 (asshown in FIG. 9 of the '926 patent) and the receiver's CPU, indicated at46, through a multiplexer 84 controlled by CPU 46 so that the receivermay operate whether in a vertical or horizontal position. Referring toFIGS. 19A and 19B, coils 23 b and 23 c reverse their orientation withrespect to a horizontal ground surface when receiver 22 is moved from ahorizontal to a vertical position. The CPU, which reads a tilt switch 86(FIG. 14A), controls multiplexer 84 to direct the coil signals to theappropriate outputs depending on the receiver's position. Referring alsoto FIGS. 19C and 19D, when the tilt switch indicates that the receiveris in a horizontal position as shown FIG. 19A, the CPU controls themultiplexer to direct the signals on coils 23 a, 23 b, and 23 c tooutputs V₁, V₂, and V₃, respectively. When the receiver is moved to avertical position as shown in FIG. 19B, the output signal from tiltswitch 86 changes state, and the CPU therefore switches the multiplexerso that the signals on coils 23 b and 23 c are directed to outputs V₃and V₂, respectively, as shown FIG. 19D. Thus, the receiverautomatically operates the same whether the receiver is laid flat on theground or held in a vertical position by the operator.

The tilt switch may be of any suitable construction, for example amercury switch or a mechanical switch shown in FIG. 14B. The tilt switchincludes a first lead 88 and two second leads 90 a and 90 b and may bedisposed in receiver 22 (FIG. 1) so that when the receiver is placedhorizontally on the ground, a metal ball 92 rolls between lead 86 andlead 90 a, completing a circuit that delivers a signal to CPU 46.Responsively to this signal, the CPU connects the coil signals to signalconditioning circuit 80 through multiplexer 84 as shown in FIG. 19C.When the receiver reaches about 30°–′° from the horizontal position tothe vertical position, however, ball 92 rolls into position betweenleads 88 and 90 b. This causes the CPU to switch the multiplexer so thatthe coil signals are directed to the signal conditioning circuit asshown in FIG. 19D.

In a preferred embodiment, the frequency of the signal output by thesignal generator is approximately 38 KHz. Any suitable frequency may beutilized, such as, for example, 1.2 KHz, 9.5 KHz, 114 KHz, etc.

Probe 30 in a preferred embodiment includes a ferromagnetic core withcopper windings on which an electrical current is placed to generate adipole magnetic field that is received by receiver 22. Probe 30 may beof varying types depending on the application desired and may be capableof providing a variety of types of information. Mercury switches may beprovided in a probe 30 around its inside perimeter so as to indicate theangular position or roll of the boring head. When the boring head isrotated to a particular position, the appropriate mercury switches closeand, therefore, angular position information is generated. As isindicated in FIG. 4, a directional boring head 16 has a sloped portion16 a for controlling the direction of the boring head in conjunctionwith the propulsion of the boring machine. With information as to theangular location of the sloped portion 16 a, the boring head can beoriented to proceed in a desired direction. This is referred to hereinas the roll of the directional boring head.

In addition, probe 30 may contain a cradle-type switch for indicatingthe pitch above or below a horizontal plane or a plane parallel to thesurface of the ground at which the directional boring head is located.Finally, indicators may be contained in the boring head and probe toindicate the battery life remaining in the probe or signal generator aswell as the temperature of the boring head. All of this information maybe conveyed to the receiver through the magnetic field generated by thesignal generator, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,363,926 referencedabove. In one preferred embodiment, the mercury switch and cradle switchare replaced by respective accelerometers. It should be understood,however, that the particular mechanism used to modulate the magneticfield to carry the pitch, roll, temperature and battery life informationis not essential to the present invention and that any suitablearrangement may be used.

FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 illustrate possible visual displays of the receiver 22and/or monitor 32. The display as in FIG. 7 illustrates the direction ofthe tapered surface 16 a and pitch angle of boring head 16. The displayin FIG. 8 illustrates the depth of the boring head at a particularinstance.

FIG. 3 illustrates a more detailed view of remote monitor 32. Remotemonitor 32 may be held around the neck of operator 36 by strap 40 ormounted to boring machine 12 in any suitable fashion. Monitor 32contains a display 34 for displaying the information received fromwireless transmitter 26. Display 34 is capable of displaying informationidentical to the information displayed on display 24 so that theoperator 36 of the boring machine will have the same information as theoperator 38 located at the boring head. In a preferred embodiment,display 34, as well as display 24, includes a clock face readout (FIG.7) for indicating the angular position or roll of the boring head inquadrants, as well as indicators for the remaining information asdiscussed above. It should be understood that a graphic or visualdisplay is one preferred form of display, but within the meaning of“display” or “indicate” as used herein, a voice or audio synthesizercould be substituted or other appropriate audible tones sufficient toconvey the appropriate information to the operator. In addition, remotereceiver 32 includes a touch pad control panel 42 for selecting thedesired information to be displayed, adjusting the volume of the audiblesignal, or for other purposes as would be apparent to one skilled in theart. Display 24 has similar controls.

Referring to FIG. 4, directional boring head 16 includes a sloped orbent surface 16 a for assisting in the directional propulsion of theboring head as described above. Boring head 16 is connected throughboring rod 14 to boring machine 12. A component of the boring rod 14contains a compartment into which the signal generating probe 30 may beinserted for generating the appropriate signals to convey theinformation with respect to the boring head as described above. As willbe understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, as the boring head16 advances through the bore, additional boring rods are added byoperator 36. Thus, the progression of the boring head 16, and thereforethe length of the bore, may be determined in terms of the number ofboring rods expended.

Referring to FIG. 5, a block diagram is illustrated providing theoperational characteristics of receiver 22 and wireless transmitter 26to one skilled in the art. As illustrated, receiver 22 receives a signalgenerated by signal generating probe 30 via magnetic field as describedabove. For receipt of pitch, roll, battery life and temperatureinformation, the receiver relies on coil 23 a, represented at 43 in FIG.5. The signal received by coil 43 is filtered and converted from ananalog signal to a digital signal at 44. The digital signal is thenprocessed in a central processing unit 46 to generate the appropriateaudible signal as illustrated at speaker 47 and the appropriate visualsignal through display 24. The conversion of the received signals fromthe probe to a visual display and audible output as illustrated in FIG.5 is done in a conventional manner as would be apparent to one skilledin the art and illustrated, for example, at FIG. 9 in U.S. Pat. No.5,363,926 referenced above. One example of a known commercial productsuitable for this function is the Micro Computerized Pipe Locatormarketed by McLaughlin Manufacturing Co., Inc., 2006 Perimeter Road,Greenville, S.C. 29605.

In accordance with the present invention, central processing unit 46simultaneously and in real time conveys a signal representative of theinformation displayed on display 24 and sent to audible means 47 towireless transmitter 26. Wireless transmitter 26 includes a frequencyshift keyed modem 48 for receiving the signal from a central processingunit 46 and a transmitter chip 49 for transmitting the signal viawireless means to remote monitor 32. In a preferred embodiment, thedigital signal is transmitted between receiver 22 and transmitter 26 at1200 bits per second. Also, in a preferred embodiment, between modem 48and transmitter 49, the “1” component of the digital signal istransmitted on a frequency of 1500 Hz and the “0” component of thedigital signal is transmitted at approximately 2100 Hz. Of course, theseare by way of example only.

Wireless transmitter 26 is capable of transmitting data and imagesignals and may be of any conventional type wireless transmitter withsuch capabilities. In a preferred embodiment, wireless transmitter 26has selectable bands and transmits on a frequency of 469.50 MHz or469.550 MHz with an output power of 18 milliwatts. Of course, these areby way of example only. In a preferred embodiment, the transmittercircuit corresponds to the Federal Communications Commission Standardno. ID-APVO29O. The wireless transmitter is capable of transmitting bothdata and image signals and transmits the signals to the remote monitor32 substantially simultaneously with the display on display 24, therebyproviding real time information to the operator 36 of the boring machine12.

Referring to FIG. 6, the signal transmitted by wireless transmitter 26is received by remote monitor 32 at receiver unit 50. Receiver unit 50receives on the same frequency at which transmitter 49 transmits. In apreferred embodiment, such frequency is 469.50 MHz or 469.550 MHz. Thecircuitry utilized in remote monitor 32 also corresponds to FCC StandardID-APVO29O. The signal received at 50 is transmitted via frequency shiftkeyed modem 52 to central processing unit 53. In a preferred embodiment,this is an eight-bit signal and represents the display and audiocomponents of the signal transmitted to monitor 32. A band pass filter54 and carrier detector 56 may be utilized to filter and enhance thesignal provided to the central processing unit 53. The filter 54 mayfilter signals, for example outside of a range of 1100 to 2300 Hz. Inthis embodiment, carrier detector 56 provides a one-bit signal tocentral processing unit 53 as to whether a radio wave is sending or not,and this controls the receipt by the central processing unit 53. Thesignal between receiver unit 50 and band pass filter 54 is conveyed asdescribed above with respect to the signal between modem 48 andtransmitter 49 with respect to the frequencies. The central processingunit 53 processes the signal to produce an image on display 34 as wellas an audible component, if desired via, speaker 58. It should beappreciated that both transmitter 26 and monitor 32 may be ofconventional design for the wireless transmission of data and the imagesignals, the particulars of which are not essential to the presentinvention.

As discussed above, receiver 22 is also a measurement device capable ofmeasuring the depth of the probe below the ground surface. Thisinformation is transmitted to, and received by, monitor 32 as discussedabove. Thus, referring to FIG. 9, display 34 indicates the depth of theboring head 16 at a particular selected location. In this embodiment, adepth of four feet five inches is indicated at a distance of one rodlength, where one rod is equal to ten feet. Operator 36 may record thisinformation by depressing an appropriate key on keyboard 60, causing CPU53 to store the depth data associated with the appropriate rod length inEEPROM 61. As each additional rod is expended, operator 36 may cause CPU53 to record the depth data received by receiver 22. CPU 53 has beenpreprogrammed by operator 36 via keyboard 60 prior to the boringoperation to receive depth data in intervals of expended rods where eachrod length is equal to ten feet. Accordingly, when operator 36 depressesa “SET” key on keyboard 60, the current depth measurement at CPU 53 isautomatically stored in EEPROM 61 and associated with the currentcumulative rod number.

Thus, as rods are expended and depth data is recorded, depth dataassociated with selected locations along the bore is compiled.Accordingly, a bore map may be generated at display 34 or, for example,at a personal computer included with monitor 32, as illustrated in FIG.10. The vertical axis of the plot of FIG. 10 indicates feet below groundsurface. The horizontal axis provides the length of the bore in thenumber of rods and rod feet. Thus, at the first extended rod, the boreillustrated was two feet deep while at the tenth rod the bore was nearlyeight feet. Of course, the cumulative data may be presented in a varietyof fashions, for example in tabular form. Accordingly, any and allsuitable methods of identifying the compiled data should be understoodto be within the scope of the present invention.

A system including the above described mapping capabilities is the MOLEMAP™, marketed by McLaughlin Manufacturing Company, Inc., 2006 PerimeterRoad, Greenville, S.C. 29605. This system includes the capability tochange the units at which depth measurements are taken. For example, inprogramming CPU 53, keys on keyboard 60 may be used to adjust the lengthof the rods in a boring system. Thus, by adjusting the rod lengthutilized by CPU 53, an operator may configure the system to record depthmeasurements at a partial rod length or at multiple rods. As thepredetermined number of rods are expended, the operator would then pressthe “set” key on keyboard 60 to record the depth data at that point. Ofcourse, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that it ispossible to create a control system that would automatically record thedepth data received from receiver 22 as the rods are expended. As notedabove, a map may be generated as in FIG. 10 at display 34 or at a PCincluded with monitor 32 as indicated in FIG. 6. The plot data isprovided to the PC via driver 62 and RS-232C connector 63 as indicated.Alternatively, monitor 32 may be embodied by a PC device. Theinformation may be provided to the PC in real time as the depth data isrecorded by operator 36 via keyboard 60. Furthermore, a cumulative plotstored in EEPROM 61 may be downloaded to a PC and printer via connector63. It should be understood, however, that monitor 32 may or may notinclude a PC.

As discussed above, the present system may be used to map existingutilities. In such a configuration, CPU 53 may be programmed to receivedepth data in intervals of actual ground distance. Thus, an operator 38as in FIG. 1 traces the existing utility with receiver 22. As theoperator moves away from a starting point, operator 36 records depthdata on a monitor at predetermined intervals from the starting point.Thus, a map of an existing utility similar to the map shown in FIG. 10may be generated. However, the horizontal axis would be structured interms of actual distance rather than rod lengths. Monitor 32, via CPU 53or a personal computer, may be configured to merge existing utilityplots with a boring system plot. Of course, the horizontal axis ofeither the boring system plot or the utility plot must be converted sothat the maps are compatible.

Referring again to FIG. 10, existing utilities running perpendicular tothe new bore are indicated. Such utilities are known utility positionswhich the new bore must avoid. Accordingly, the ability of operator 36(FIG. 1) to view a bore plot as the bore is being made enables theoperator to control the directional boring head by controls 20 to avoidsuch existing utilities.

As noted above, stationary receiver devices may be used in preferredembodiments of the present invention to generate a boring system plot.One method of measuring bore depth with respect to the ground surface insuch a system utilizes the pitch angle of the directional boring head.Referring to FIG. 13B, a bore is graphically illustrated beginning atground level at 70. The first ten foot rod section is expended at a 45°angle, and, thus, the depth of the bore at the first rod is 7.1 feet asshown. The pitch angle at the directional boring head may change as newrods are expended. In FIG. 13B, the pitch angles at the second, third,fourth, and fifth rods were 30°, 10°, 0°, and 0°, respectively. Thedepths at these points are 12.1 feet, 13.8 feet, 13.8 feet, and 13.8feet, respectively.

This depth information may be transmitted from a stationary receiverdevice to a monitor device for use in generating a bore plot asdescribed above. Again, the horizontal axis may be presented either interms of expended rods (FIG. 10) or in actual ground distance. Forexample, if a plot were generated from the depth information of FIG.13B, a depth of 7.1 feet would be marked at 1 rod (or 10 feet if a rodis 10 feet long) while a depth of 12.1 would be marked at 2 rods. If theplot is presented in terms of ground distance, a depth of 7.1 feet wouldbe marked at 7.1 feet from starting point 70 while a depth of 12.1 feetwould be marked at 15.76 feet from point 70.

An accurate plot may be generated from the information as in FIG. 13B ifthe ground surface is substantially level. If the bore is made below aground surface that is not level, the depth information of FIG. 13B mustbe modified if an accurate plot is to be obtained. For example, FIG. 13Agraphically represents exemplary depth measurements made at each of therod positions along the bore represented in FIG. 13B by, for example, aportable measurement device as described above. The depth data from FIG.13B may then be modified to determine the position of the bore 52 withrespect to an actual ground surface line 72 as illustrated in FIG. 13C.The adjustment may be made by a central processing unit such as CPU 53as in FIG. 6.

It should also be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art thatreceiver 22 may also be configured to compile the data associated withthe selected locations as described above with respect to monitor 32.That is, monitor 32 may be at least partially embodied by a receiver 22.This may be particularly advantageous in systems where only a utilityplot is desired. In such case, a transmitting source radiates thelocation signal from the bore as described above, while a singleportable unit may be used to receive the location signal, measure thedepth, and compile the depth data associated with the selected location.Thus, a single apparatus would encompass the receiver device,measurement device and monitor device. Of course, in a directionalboring system as shown in FIG. 1, receiver device 22 may be configuredto simultaneously provide the same display as presented to the operator36 at monitor 32.

The receiver may also be used to measure a diagonal distance betweenprobe 30 and receiver 22. Referring to FIG. 15, the measurement is basedon the relationship between the probe and two coils. For example, if aprobe 30 radiates a dipole magnetic field, indicated at 96, and coils aand b are disposed at equal distances from probe 30 as shown in thefigure, the magnitude of the induced signal across coil a is twice themagnitude of the signal induced across coil b. Referring now to FIG. 16,receiver 22 is placed on the ground so that coil 23 b is aligned withthe probe 30. Where V₁is the calibration voltage discussed above, V₂ isthe magnitude of the induced signal on coil 23 b, and V₃ is themagnitude of the signal induced across coil 23 c,V ₄=((V ₃)²/((V ₂)²)^(0.5.)

The distance X between probe 30 and receiver 22 is:X=10 ft(V ₁/2V ₄)⁻³

The diagonal measurement X may be used to locate probe 30 when the probeis below a surface, such as a busy road or a body of water, in which theoperator is unable to carry receiver 22. As discussed above, the probe'sposition, including the depth Y below the ground surface, may bedetermined through measurements of the probe's pitch angle at each rodsection. Assuming that the ground surface is approximately level betweenreceiver 22 and probe 30, the horizontal distance Z between the probeand the receiver is (X²−Y²)^(0.5). The receiver's CPU may perform thiscalculation and present the result at the receiver's display.Accordingly, an operator may place the receiver at the edge of the roador body of water and determine how far the probe has yet to travel toreach the edge.

Referring to FIGS. 18A and 18B, receiver 22 may be used to determine theyaw of probe 30 with respect to its intended path of travel 98. Theoperator holds receiver 22 in a vertical position above probe 30 so thatcoil 23 a is aligned with path of travel 98. As shown in FIG. 18B, coil23 c is therefore perpendicular to path 98. The angle Θ is equal toarctan(V₁/V₂), where V₁ is the magnitude of the signal induced in coil23 c, and V₂ is the magnitude of the si in coil 23 a.

Referring again to FIG. 18A, the yaw calculation loses accuracy, but maystill be effective, where receiver 22 is moved forward or back alongpath 98 or directly laterally from path 98. The acceptable distance fromthe probe depends on the probe's depth and the amount of accuracyreduction the operator is willing to accept. An operator may use thisfeature in guiding the boring tool. For example, an operator movingforward along path 98 ahead of probe 30 may monitor the yaw of the probeas it follows underground. Assuming the yaw reading is zero degrees asthe operator moves away from the probe, the yaw will remain zero degreesduring drilling if the probe remains on course. A change in the yawinstantly tells the operator the appropriate angle by which the drillingtool is moving off course, and the drilling head may then be turned backtoward its intended course.

The receiver may also be used to determine the probe's lateral deviationfrom its intended path using two perpendicular coils, one of which isaligned with the probe's intended path and one of which is horizontallyaligned perpendicular to the path. This method is effective where thereceiver is sufficiently in front of the probe. Where the probe is closeto or in front of the receiver, the method is effective if the operatorknows the relative positions of the probe and receiver along the probe'sdesired path. Referring to a side view of receiver 22 on a groundsurface 104 presented in FIG. 17A, a locating coil (23 a) is alignedwith horizontally perpendicularly to the probe's path of travel. Coil 23b, which is aligned with the probe's path, is the reference coil.Referring also to FIG. 17B, magnetic field 96 induces a signal 106 incoil 23 b. When coil 23 b is in front of a line 108 at which the fluxlines of field 96 pass perpendicularly through the coil, signal 106 hasa phase as referenced to the left of line 108 in FIG. 17B. As probe 30moves beyond this point, so that coil 23 b is between line 108 and aline 110 at which the magnetic flux lines behind the probe passperpendicularly though the coil, signal 106 changes phase by 180degrees. As the probe continues, so that coil 23 b moves behind line110, signal 106 returns to its original phase.

FIG. 17C is a top view of probe 30 with respect to receiver 22, which isaligned parallel to the probe's intended path of travel 98. Probe 30induces a signal in coil 23 a if probe 30 is to the left or right ofpath 98. The phase of the induced signal, however, depends upon whetherthe probe is before or beyond, with respect to path 98, a line 112aligned with coil 23 a. Referring also to the left hand side of FIG.17D, if probe 30 is before line 112, an induced signal 114 in coil 23 acan have either of two opposite phases depending on whether it is to theleft or right of path 98. When the probe passes beyond line 112, signal114 changes phase by 180 degrees. That is, the phase of signal 114changes across both lines 98 and 112.

Referring now to FIGS. 17A–17D, the probe's lateral position withrespect of its intended path of travel 98 is described by a comparisonof signals 106 and 114. This comparison depends, however, on therelative position of the probe and the receiver. If probe 30 andreceiver 22 are disposed so that coil 23 b is in front of line 108 (theprobe is therefore also before line 112), a relationship between thesignal on coil 23 a and the signal on coil 23 b describes the probe'slateral position. If signal 106 is in phase with signal 114, the probeis to the left of line 98. If the signals are out of phase, the probe isto the right of line 98. That is, the probe is to the left of itsintended path if the signal in the locating coil is in phase with thereference signal and is to the right of path 98 if the signals are outof phase. This relationship between the locating and reference signalsis hereinafter referred to as the “direct” relationship, although itshould be understood that use of the terms “direct” and “inverse” todescribe phase relationships herein is for purposes of explanation only.It should also be understood that the relative phase between any twocoils also depends upon the orientation of the signal measurement acrossthe coils. Of course, such physical arrangements will be known for agiven receiver, and the receiver's CPU may be programmed accordingly.

The opposite relationship, hereinafter referred to as the “inverse”relationship, is demonstrated between lines 108 and 112. Here, signals106 and 114 are out of phase when the probe is to the left of line 98but are in phase when the probe is to the right. Between lines 112 and110 signals, 106 and 114 return to the direct relationship. As coil 23 bmoves beyond line 110, the signals revert to the inverse relationship.

As indicated in FIGS. 17A–17D, the operator and/or the receiver's CPUmust know the relative position of the receiver and the probe withrespect to path 98 where the determination of the probe's lateralposition with respect to line 98 is based only on the phase relationshipbetween the signals induced on coils 23 a and 23 b. Where the receiveris sufficiently in front of the probe, so that coil 23 b is in front ofline 108, the CPU may rely on the direct relationship, and this can bethe default relationship to which the CPU is programmed. A button may beprovided at the receiver by which the operator may change the CPU tobase its determination on the inverse relationship. To effectively usethis feature, however, the operator must know the relative position ofthe receiver and the probe to switch between the modes at the crossingsof lines 108, 112 and 110.

Referring again to FIG. 17A, and also to FIG. 17E, the inclusion of coil23 c eliminates the need for the operator or the CPU to know therelative position of the probe and the receiver with respect to theintended path. As probe 30 moves up to and past a line 118 aligned withcoil 23 c, magnetic field 96 induces in the coil a signal 120 thatchanges phase by 180 degrees as the probe passes line 118. Referringalso to FIG. 17C, lines 112 and 118 are separated by the distanceseparating coils 23 a and 23 c. This distance is, however, relativelysmall, and for the purposes described herein the lines may be consideredaligned with each other. Under this treatment, comparison of FIGS. 17Dand 17E shows that the direct relationship applies between signals 120and 114 regardless of the relative position of probe 30 and receiver 22with respect to path 98. Thus, where coil 23 c is the reference coil,the receiver's CPU may determine whether the probe is to the left or tothe right of path 98 using the direct relationship at all times.Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the receiver'sCPU may be programmed to employ this relationship.

Because signals 114 and 120 both go to zero when the probe reaches thereceiver, the receiver in one preferred embodiment selects either coil23 b or 23 c as the reference coil, depending on the coils' relativesignal strength. FIGS. 17F and 17G illustrate the magnitudes of signals106, 114 and 120 as the probe and the receiver move in parallel pasteach other and across lines 108, 112/118 and 110. The horizontal axis ineach figure describes the relative longitudinal position between theprobe and the coils. The vertical axis describes the magnitude of thesignals induced on the coils. The position of a signal line above orbelow the horizontal line reflects the signal's phase, and this providesthe difference between the figures. In FIG. 17F, the probed is always tothe left of line 98 (FIG. 17C), while in FIG. 17G, the probe is to theright. Since the probe's lateral position with respect to line 98determines the phase of the signal on coil 23 a, the phase of line 114changes by 180° from FIG. 18F to FIG. 17G. These figures againillustrate that, as in the embodiment described above, the probe'slateral position relative to line 98 may be determined from a comparisonof the phase of signals 114 and 120 alone. The plots in FIGS. 17F and17G are provided for purposes of explanation and are not to scale.

In this embodiment, the receiver's CPU monitors the magnitude (theabsolute value) of signals 106 and 120 and chooses the reference coildepending upon which signal has the greater magnitude. That is, if themagnitude of 106 is greater than that of signal 120, coil 23 b is thereference coil. On the other hand, coil 23 c is the reference coil whensignal 120 has the greater magnitude. Accordingly, coil 23 b is thereference coil in zones 122, 124 and 126 shown in FIGS. 17F and 17G, andcoil 23 c is the reference coil in zones 128 and 130.

As discussed above, however, a comparison of induced signals alone isinsufficient to determine the lateral position of the probe with respectto the receiver when coil 23 b is the reference coil. Accordingly, thereceiver's CPU also monitors the relative phase between signal 106induced in coil 23 b and signal 120 induced in coil 23 c. At those timeswhen coil 23 b is chosen as the reference coil (i.e. in zones 122, 124and 126), the use of the direct and inverse relationships between signal114 and signal 106 depends on the relative phase between signal 106 andsignal 120. If signal 106 is in phase with signal 120, the CPU uses thedirect relationship between signal 106 and signal 114 to determine theprobe's lateral position. If signal 106 is 180° out of phase with signal120, the CPU uses the inverse relationship between signal 106 and signal114 to determine the probe's lateral position. When the CPU detects thatsignal 106 and signal 120 are out of phase, the CPU may reverse thepolarity of the measurement access coil 23 b and use the directrelationship between signals 106 and 114.

Coil 23 c is the reference coil in zones 128 and 130. As discussedabove, the CPU always uses the direct relationship between signals 120and 114 in determining the probe's lateral position when coil 23 c isthe reference coil.

Upon determining the probe's lateral position with respect to line 98(FIG. 17C), the receiver's display 24, and/or the monitor's display 34,displays an arrow indicating which direction the probe needs to move inorder to regain line 98. That is, when the receiver is aligned with line98 as shown in FIG. 17C, the display arrow points to the right when theprobe is left of line 98 and points to the left when the probe is to theright of the line.

Referring to FIG. 22, an operator may locate the ground position ofprobe 30 using the above-ground receiver 22 (FIG. 1). Starting atdrilling machine 12, the operator activates the receiver's locating modeand begins walking toward the position he believes the probe to be. Thatis, he begins walking along a path 154 he believes to be longitudinallyaligned with the probe. Of course, the operator's path likely divergesfrom the probe's underground longitudinal line (i.e. the axis of themagnetic field radiated by the probe), indicated in FIG. 22 at 156. Bystarting at the drilling machine, however, the operator can make areasonable estimate of the probe's longitudinal line and can carry thereceiver so that the axis of coil 23 c (FIG. 1) is aligned at an oblique(i.e. parallel or less than 90°) angle with respect to the probe'slongitudinal line. Preferably, this oblique angle is within a range from0° to 45°.

As the operator walks, he views the receiver's display. Referring alsoFIGS. 20 and 21, the display provides a sequence of icons as shown inFIG. 21, which are in turn based on signals 106 and 120 induced in coils23 c and 23 b, respectively, by the probe's magnetic field. Assumingthat the receiver is in its vertical position as shown in FIG. 19B, FIG.20 illustrates signals 106 and 120 as the receiver moves up from behindthe probe along line 154 to a line 156 extending laterally from theprobe, and then beyond the lateral line. To the left of the verticalaxis in FIG. 20, the receiver is behind lateral line 156. To the rightof the vertical axis, the receiver is in front of the lateral line.

A line 132 in FIG. 20 illustrates the square root of the sum of thesquared values of lines 106 and 120. The receiver's CPU determines thisvalue as the operator moves along line 154. Initially, when the operatoractivates the receiver's locating mode, the receiver's display shows anicon 134. As the operator moves, the receiver monitors the valuerepresented by line 132. If line 132 decreases, meaning that theoperator is moving away from the probe, icon 134 does not change. Thisinforms the operator that he is moving away from the probe. If theoperator moves toward the probe, line 132 increases, and the receiverchanges icon 134 to icon 136, thereby notifying the operator that he ismoving toward line 156.

The receiver also monitors a comparison value that is equal to thestrength of signal 120 divided by the strength of signal 106. If signals106 and 120 are out of phase with each other, this value is negative. Ifthe signals are in phase, the comparison value is positive. As indicatedin FIG. 20, the greatest divergence between signals 106 and 120 occurswhen the receiver is on line 156, and the magnitude of signal 120 onlyfalls below 10% of the magnitude of signal 106 within a relatively smalldistance on either side of the line, as indicated by lines 138 and 140.

While moving along line 154 toward line 156 from behind, the comparisonvalue falls below 10% as the receiver reaches line 138. At this point,icon 136 changes to an icon 142 informing the operator that the receiveris close to and behind the probe's lateral line. Alternatively, thedisplay may provide a position-neutral icon 144 to simply inform theoperator that the receiver is near the line. As the operator continuesforward, the comparison value drops below 6%. At this point, icon 142changes to an icon 146, indicating that the receiver is directly overline 156.

As the operator continues beyond and in front of the probe, thecomparison value becomes negative. When the comparison value falls below−6%, icon 146 changes to an icon 148 that informs the operator he hasnow moved in front of the lateral line. If the operator continues movingforward, icon 148 changes to icon 134 when the comparison value fallsbelow −66%.

If the operator continues to move forward, as indicated at arrow 150 inFIG. 21, line 132 continues to decrease, and the receiver's displaycontinues to provide icon 134. If the operator carries the receiver backtoward the lateral line, as indicated at arrow 152, line 132 increases,and the receiver again provides icon 136 and monitors the comparisonvalue. When the comparison value rises above −10%, the receiver displaysicon 148 or 144. As the operator moves directly above the lateral line,and the comparison value rises above −6%, the receiver again displaysicon 146. As the operator moves behind the probe, and the comparisonvalue rises above 6%, the receiver displays icon 142, which returns toicon 134 when the comparison value rises above 66%.

Once the operator locates lateral line 156, he can follow the line tothe probe. To stay on the line while walking, the operator watches thereceiver's display and maintains a path so that the display continues toshow icon 146. Of course, at the time he locates line 156, the operatordoesn't know whether he should move to the left of right along the line.This information is provided by an indicator on the receiver's displaythat is proportional to the magnitude of the signal induced on coil 23c, which is held perpendicular to line 156 and therefore parallel to theprobe. When this indicator reaches a maximum, and the display also showsicon 146, the receiver is directly above the probe. The operator maythen accurately determine the probe's heading using the yaw measurementdescribed above.

Using the above-described method, the operator may locate the bore. Itshould be understood, however, that the comparison value ranges may varyas desired.

It should be understood that modifications and variations of the presentinvention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which ismore particularly set forth in the appended claims. Furthermore, thoseof ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoingdescription is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit theinvention so further described in such appended claims, and that theaspects of varying embodiments may be interchanged in whole or in part.

1. A system for locating a horizontal bore below a ground surface, saidsystem comprising: a transmitting source configured to radiate from saidbore a dipole magnetic field aligned with said bore; a receiver remotefrom said transmitting source and having a first coil and a second coil,each coil defining an axis, wherein said axes of said first coil andsaid second coil are orthogonal to each other; and a measurement devicein communication with said coils and configured to measure a phase ofsignals induced on said coils by said magnetic field when said axis ofsaid first coil is horizontally perpendicular to the axis of saidmagnetic field and said axis of said second coil is verticallyperpendicular to said axis of said magnetic field, and determine alateral position of said transmitting source relative to said coilsresponsively to said phase of said signals on said first coil and saidsecond coil.
 2. The system as in claim 1 wherein said receiver includesa third coil in communication with said measurement device, and whereinsaid third coil defines an axis perpendicular to said axes of said firstcoil and said second coil.
 3. The system as in claim 1 wherein saidmeasurement device is configured to measure the phase of a signalinduced on said third coil by said magnetic field when said third coilis parallel to said axis of said magnetic field.
 4. The system as inclaim 3, wherein said measurement device determines said lateralposition of said transmitting source responsively to said phase of saidsignal on said first coil and the phase of a signal on a reference coilselected from said second coil and said third coil, and wherein saidmeasurement device selects said second coil or said third coil as saidreference coil based on a predetermined criteria.
 5. The system as inclaim 4 wherein said measurement device measures a magnitude of saidsignals induced on said second coil and said third coil and selects saidsecond coil and said third coil as said reference coil based on saidmagnitudes.
 6. The system as in claim 5 wherein said measurement device,when said third coil is selected as said reference coil, determines saidlateral position of said transmitting source responsively to said phaseof said signal on said first coil, said phase of said signal on saidsecond coil and said phase of said signal on said third coil.
 7. Thesystem as in claim 5 wherein said measurement device selects said secondcoil and said third coil as said reference coil depending upon whethersaid magnitude of said signal on said second coil is greater than orless than said magnitude of said signal on said third coil.
 8. Thesystem as in claim 1 wherein said measurement device determines saidlateral position of said transmitting source based on whether saidsignal on said first coil is in phase or out of phase with said signalon said second coil.
 9. A method for locating a horizontal bore below aground surface, said method comprising the steps of: radiating from atransmitting source within said bore a dipole magnetic field alignedwith said bore; providing a first coil and a second coil remote fromsaid transmitting source, wherein each coil defines an axis and whereinsaid axes of said first coil and said second coil are orthogonal to eachother; measuring a phase of signals induced on said coils by saidmagnetic field when said axis of said first coil is horizontallyperpendicular to the axis of said magnetic field and said axis of saidsecond coil is vertically perpendicular to said axis of said magneticfield; and determining a lateral position of said transmitting sourcerelative to said coils responsively to said phase of said signals onsaid first coil and said second coil.